EU imposes sanctions on Libyan officials

Three top Libyan politicians, linked to the Islamist-backed leadership in Tripoli, are now subject to European Union sanctions for obstructing the formation of unity government in the North African country.

The three men, who face travel bans and asset freezes, are Nouri Abusahmain, president of the General National Congress in Tripoli, one of two rival parliaments in the chaotic country: Khalifa al-Ghwell, prime minister of the self-proclaimed Tripoli government; and Aguila Saleh, president of Libya’s internationally recognized parliament.

The measures were formally adopted Thursday and take effect Friday, according to the EU’s Official Journal.

Members of a U.N.-backed unity government arrived in Tripoli on Wednesday but remain confined to the capital’s port area as they face opposition from the coalition that controls Tripoli and their rivals, based in the east. In a televised address, al-Ghweil said the new government was not welcome.

Since 2014, Libya has had two competing administrations, one in Tripoli backed by powerful militias and the other in the port city of Tobruk.